Time Clock Configuration Lighting Controls
Last Updated: January 16, 2025 Reviewed by: Jon Lowy, consulting engineer
Description
Time Clock Configuration Lighting Controls are devices designed to automate the switching on and off of lighting systems based on pre-set schedules. These schedules can be configured to operate lights at specific times of the day and days of the week, ensuring that lighting is only used when needed, thereby optimizing energy consumption.
Working Principle
Time Clock Configuration Lighting Controls work by using an internal clock to manage the on/off states of lighting systems according to a programmed schedule. The user sets specific times for the lights to turn on and off, which can be adjusted for different days of the week. This automation helps in reducing energy waste by ensuring that lights are not left on unnecessarily. These systems are particularly useful in maintaining consistent lighting schedules without manual intervention, making them a practical solution for energy management.
Applications
Time Clock Configuration Lighting Controls are widely used in various settings to manage lighting schedules efficiently. For example, in commercial buildings, these controls can ensure that office lights are turned off after business hours and during weekends, reducing energy costs. In industrial settings, they can be used to manage lighting in warehouses and production areas, ensuring that lights are only on during operational hours. Additionally, they are used in public spaces such as parks and streets to control lighting based on the time of day, enhancing safety while conserving energy.
Advantages over other Lighting Controls
One significant advantage of Time Clock Configuration Lighting Controls over other types of lighting controls, such as occupancy sensors, is their ability to provide a predictable and consistent lighting schedule. This can be particularly beneficial in environments where lighting needs are constant and do not vary based on occupancy. For instance, in a commercial office setting, time clock controls can ensure that lights are turned off at a specific time every evening, regardless of whether the space is occupied, thus avoiding the potential for lights to remain on due to sensor malfunctions or misdetections.
Limitations
A notable limitation of Time Clock Configuration Lighting Controls is their lack of adaptability to real-time changes in occupancy or ambient light levels. Unlike occupancy sensors or light level sensors, time clock controls cannot adjust lighting based on actual usage or environmental conditions. This can lead to situations where lights are on when they are not needed, or off when they are required, if the pre-set schedule does not align perfectly with actual usage patterns.
Considerations
When considering the implementation of Time Clock Configuration Lighting Controls, several factors should be taken into account:
- Initial Costs: The initial cost of installing time clock controls can vary depending on the complexity of the system and the number of lighting circuits to be controlled.
- Operating Expense: These systems can lead to significant energy savings, thereby reducing operating expenses over time.
- Durability: Time clock controls are generally durable and require minimal maintenance, but their longevity can be affected by the quality of the components used.
- Accuracy: The accuracy of the internal clock is crucial for the proper functioning of these controls. Regular checks and adjustments may be necessary to ensure the schedule remains accurate.
- Replacement and Maintenance Costs: Maintenance costs are typically low, but any malfunctioning components will need to be replaced to ensure the system continues to operate correctly.
from Leviton Manufacturing
The D4000 system of architectural lighting controllers from Leviton puts total lighting control at your finger tips. From master stations to room combines, the D4000 system provides a wide range of capabilities. [See More]
- Application: Interior; Commercial; Architectural Grade
- Number of lamps: 32
- Controller Type: Time Clock Config; Programmable Controller
- Mounting: Wall/Ceiling
from PLC-Multipoint, Inc.
The LC81, LC82 photo sensor lighting control systems automatically switch dry contacts in response to changes in natural daylight. The LC81-B, LC82-B systems include one or two LC8 control boards, internal Hand/Off/Auto Switch per LC8, terminal blocks and one or two 20A switching relays housed in a... [See More]
- Application: Interior; Exterior; Commercial; Stores, Fast Food, Gas Stations
- Lamp Type: Fluorescent Lamps; High Intensity Discharge Lamps
- Controller Type: Manual On/Off; Occupancy (Motion) Sensor; Daylight Sensor; Time Clock Config; Time Override; Timer
- Voltage: 115/120V; 277 VAC 60 Hz
from Legrand
COUNTDOWN TIMER 600W 1/6 HP, WHITE. FEATURES. Programmable countdown time switch. Manual ON/OFF. Digital countdown display. Adjustable time delay from 5-55 minutes (five-minute increments) to 1-12 hours (15-minute increments). Audible beep and visible light flash warnings before automatic-OFF. [See More]
- Application: Interior; Residential
- Lamp Power: 600
- Controller Type: Manual On/Off; Time Clock Config
- Number of lamps: 1
from Morningstar Corporation
Morningstar's SunLight ™ solar lighting controller combines the SunSaver design with an advanced microcontroller for automatic lighting control functions. Morningstar Corporation provides charge controllers and inverters for off-grid Photovoltaic (PV) solar power systems. Key Features and... [See More]
- Application: Exterior; Roadway; Commercial; Industrial
- Voltage: 12V
- Controller Type: Daylight Sensor; Time Clock Config
- Mounting: Rack mount
from Leviton Manufacturing
The D8000 series from Leviton provides distributed processing and network topology. By bringing the power and flexibility of networked computing to the lighting realm, the D8000 master stations allow complex, large scale lighting projects to become readily available. [See More]
- Application: Interior; Commercial; Architectural Grade
- Mounting: Wall/Ceiling
- Controller Type: Time Clock Config; Programmable Controller
- Controller Features: Remote Control (RF or IR); LAN; Programmable (Theatrical)
from PLC-Multipoint, Inc.
The LCM-IE series control panel is a cost-effective and easily-configurable stand-alone lighting control system with programming and accessories specifically optimized for interior and exterior applications. Capable of supporting 2, 3, 4 or 6 zones with photo, time clock, remote switching and timed... [See More]
- Application: Interior; Exterior; Security; Airports; Commercial; Parking Lots, Offices, Schools
- Lamp Type: High Intensity Discharge Lamps
- Controller Type: Manual On/Off; Time Clock Config; After Hour Sweep; Timer
- Voltage: 115/120V; 277 VAC 60 Hz
from Legrand
Timer, 60min 1hp 20a 125v/10a 250-277volt, No Hold, White. FEATURES. Units with "Hold" feature may be turned counter-clockwise to hold the load on without timing function. Turning clockwise causes unit to time load off after desired time delay. Quiet operation. Time range from 5 minutes to 12 hours. [See More]
- Application: Interior; Residential
- Lamp Power: 746
- Controller Type: Time Clock Config
- Voltage: 115/120V; 277 VAC 60 Hz
from Leviton Manufacturing
Leviton offers daylight harvesting made simple in a compact box with the miniZ ™ intelligent daylight management system. The miniZ ™ is a single, easily installed package featuring lighting control functions that include daylight harvesting and occupancy, photocell and time-clock... [See More]
- Application: Interior; Commercial; Daylight Management
- Lamp Power: 10
- Controller Type: Occupancy (Motion) Sensor (optional feature); Daylight Sensor (optional feature); Time Clock Config
- Voltage: 115/120V; 277 VAC 60 Hz; 347 VAC 60 Hz; International Voltages
from PLC-Multipoint, Inc.
EXTERIOR ASTRONOMICAL TIME CLOCKLighting Control SystemThe LCM-ASTRO series control panel is a cost-effective and easily confi gurable stand-alone contactor-based lighting control system with programming specifi cally optimized for exterior applications. It is capable of supporting 2 or 3 zones with... [See More]
- Application: Exterior; Security; Sign/Marketing; Commercial; Canopy, Sign, Exterior
- Lamp Type: High Intensity Discharge Lamps
- Controller Type: Manual On/Off; Daylight Sensor; Time Clock Config
- Voltage: 115/120V; 277 VAC 60 Hz
from Legrand
Timer, 60min 1hp 20a 125v/10a 250-277volt, With Hold, White. FEATURES. Units with "Hold" feature may be turned counter-clockwise to hold the load on without timing function. Turning clockwise causes unit to time load off after desired time delay. Quiet operation. Time range from 5 minutes to 12... [See More]
- Application: Interior; Residential
- Lamp Power: 746
- Controller Type: Time Clock Config
- Voltage: 115/120V; 277 VAC 60 Hz
from Leviton Manufacturing
Multizone Controller and Dimmer - Self contained dimmer with 4 local zones and learning IR receiver. 1920W. System Type: Dimensions Multizone System. System Component: Multizone Controller/Dimmer. Zone Quantity: 4 Local. Remote Zone Capacity: 186. Load Rating: 1920W/VA Total 1000W/VA per Zone 1200W... [See More]
- Application: Interior; Commercial; Architectural Grade
- Lamp Type: Fluorescent Lamps; Incandescent Lamps
- Controller Type: Time Clock Config; Programmable Controller
- Lamp Power: 1920
from PLC-Multipoint, Inc.
The LC8 lighting controller automatically switches a dry contact in response to changes in natural daylight. The LC8 provides a maintained single pole, double throw "form C" relay output to drive electrically held contactors or relays, or inputs to Energy Management Systems (EMS). The LC8 can... [See More]
- Application: Interior; Exterior; Security; Commercial; Parking Lots, Playgrounds, Storage, etc.
- Lamp Type: Fluorescent Lamps; High Intensity Discharge Lamps; Incandescent Lamps
- Controller Type: Manual On/Off; Occupancy (Motion) Sensor; Daylight Sensor; Time Clock Config; Time Override; Timer
- Voltage: 24 VDC; 24 VAC
from Legrand
Timer, 30min 1hp 20a 125v/10a 250-277volt, No Hold, White. FEATURES. Units with "Hold" feature may be turned counter-clockwise to hold the load on without timing function. Turning clockwise causes unit to time load off after desired time delay. Quiet operation. Time range from 5 minutes to 12 hours. [See More]
- Application: Interior; Residential
- Lamp Power: 746
- Controller Type: Time Clock Config
- Voltage: 115/120V; 277 VAC 60 Hz
from Leviton Manufacturing
The Sapphire ™ series from Leviton provides a perfect solution for complex, large scale lighting projects enabling the total integration of theatrical, architectural, and energy management lighting control systems. [See More]
- Application: Interior; Commercial; Architectural / Theatrical Grade
- Mounting: Panelboard
- Controller Type: Time Clock Config; Slide Dimmer; Programmable Controller
- Controller Features: Remote Control (RF or IR); LAN; Programmable (Theatrical)
from PLC-Multipoint, Inc.
The PLC-Multipoint T3X-1 provides switching control for two contrast lighting circuits and a night lighting circuit. When freeway overpasses are comprised of onramp/off ramp lanes, traffic lanes and commuter lanes, the width is sufficient to require daylight contrast lighting controls for the... [See More]
- Application: Exterior; Tunnels
- Lamp Type: High Intensity Discharge Lamps
- Controller Type: Manual On/Off; Daylight Sensor; Time Clock Config; Time Override; Timer
- Voltage: 24 VAC
from Legrand
Timer, 15min 1hp 20a 125v/10a 250-277volt, With Hold, White. FEATURES. Units with "Hold" feature may be turned counter-clockwise to hold the load on without timing function. Turning clockwise causes unit to time load off after desired time delay. Quiet operation. Time range from 5 minutes to 12... [See More]
- Application: Interior; Residential
- Lamp Power: 746
- Controller Type: Time Clock Config
- Voltage: 115/120V; 277 VAC 60 Hz